Senate to Vote to Make Virtual Care Services Permanent Under High-Deductible Health Plan-Health Savings Accounts
WASHINGTON, DC, JUNE 28, 2025 — ATA Action, the advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, responds to U.S. Senate for including a key telehealth provision in the updated draft of the reconciliation bill, reinstating and making permanent first-dollar coverage for High-Deductible Health Plan-Health Savings Accounts (HDHP-HSAs).
“This is a meaningful demonstration of the Senate’s commitment to ensuring millions of American workers have permanent access to critical telehealth services on a pre-deductible basis, without jeopardizing their HSA eligibility,” said Kyle Zebley, executive director of ATA Action and senior vice president, public policy at the ATA. “Making this provision permanent would empower more Americans to receive timely, affordable care through virtual services, especially as more workers rely on HDHP-HSA plans.
“By taking this action and bringing us one step closer to a permanent benefit for hard-working individuals and their families, Congress is making a decisive statement that underscores the urgent need to ensure full access to telehealth as part of healthcare delivery. As this goes to vote in the coming days, we implore the Senate to accept this essential provision in the draft legislation and send to the U.S. House for their approval. The final step will be President Trump’s signature, reinstating this safe harbor that he originally sanctioned during the pandemic,” Zebley added. “Passage of this provision is one of ATA Action’s top priorities, to protect employees’ access to virtual care, enhance health outcomes, and strengthen the value of employer-sponsored health benefits, and reduce disparities in care.”
In 2020, Congress passed Section 3701 of the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which temporarily allowed HDHPs to cover telehealth services on a pre-deductible basis without jeopardizing HSA eligibility during the pandemic. Though extended multiple times, the flexibility expired on December 31, 2024.
“ATA Action stands ready to support Congress and the administration, as we continue to advocate for an urgent and thoughtful approach to ensuring access to critical healthcare services for patients and modernize care delivery.”
About ATA Action
ATA Action recognizes that telehealth and virtual care have the potential to transform the healthcare delivery system by improving patient outcomes, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of care, addressing health disparities, and reducing costs. ATA Action is a registered 501c6 entity and an affiliated trade organization of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).